Husband Arrested for Murdering Wife: A History of Violence Uncovered

Picture from reenactment.

A man with a history of domestic violence has been arrested for the murder of his wife in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima. The suspect, identified as Mr. Banchaa, 51, was apprehended in Khon Kaen after fleeing for several months.

The murder occurred on 11 November 2024, which saw Pol Lt Col Suraphat Phadee, an investigator at Pak Chong Police Station, receiving a report about a deceased woman found in her bedroom at a residence in Baan Phasuk, Moo 12, Khanong Phra Subdistrict. The victim, Ms. Seenual Luekwilai, 49, was found with signs of physical assault

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Investigators immediately suspected her husband, who had been seen leaving the area with the help of a local resident who transported him on a motorcycle to the Mittraphap Bypass Road.

Pol Col Weerapon Rabiabpho, Superintendent of Pak Chong Police Station, had ordered a team led by Pol Lt Col Wichan Klinbuppha to track down the suspect under an arrest warrant issued by the Sikhio Provincial Court (Pak Chong) on 13 November 2024 for causing grievous bodily harm resulting in death.

Authorities were alerted by Pol Col Yosawat Kaewsuebthannit, Superintendent of Khon Kaen City Police, and Pol Lt Col Wirot Phumipetchruacha, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, that the suspect had been detained in Khon Kaen. He was captured following a disturbance at a local karaoke venue.

At 09:30 on 22 February, Pak Chong police escorted the suspect back to Nakhon Ratchasima for a crime reenactment. During the reconstruction, the victim's relatives attempted to attack the suspect, prompting officers to intervene. The reenactment lasted approximately 20 minutes before he was returned to the police station.

During interrogation, Mr. Banchaa confessed to the crime, stating that he had been living with the victim for some time. He claimed that he assaulted her in a jealous rage after she mentioned another man. Under the influence of alcohol, he had not anticipated that his actions would result in her death. After the incident, he fled to Khon Kaen, where he survived by collecting and selling recyclable materials.

Investigations revealed that Mr. Banchaa had a violent past. In 2011, he had fatally assaulted a former partner in Phetchabun before fleeing to Pak Chong. With this latest incident, he has now been linked to two homicides. The suspect is currently in police custody and will face legal proceedings for causing death by assault.

-- 2025-02-23